Thursday, April 7 2005 21:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Hailing the successful inaugural run of the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, the US tonight (Apr 7, 2005) said Kashmiris have shown that they reject violence, want peace and are determined to brave threats to achieve it.

"The leaders of India and Pakistan have shown their statesmanship in reducing tension. They will continue to have the strong support of the US as they resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue," American Ambassador David Mulford stated in New Delhi.

"Today represents a historic moment for India, Pakistan and perhaps, most importantly, for the people of Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control, who can now begin to enjoy the benefits of a restoration of links that have been broken for 58 years," he said.

The American envoy said he was heartened by the courage demonstrated by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in making this day a success, particularly given the brazen attack in Srinagar yesterday and the personal threats against civilian passengers.

"As in recent elections in J&K, Kashmiris have shown that they reject violence, want peace and are determined to brave threats to achieve it," he said.

Mulford said their courage and determination would bring the benefits of peace to India and Pakistan. "We must not allow terrorists to frustrate their hopes."

Observing that this has been a "historic" day in Kashmir, he conveyed his "warmest congratulations" to the people of India and Pakistan and especially to all Kashmiris making the successful inaugural run of the buses between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad.